| Basti
Karma is one of the main procedures of Panchakarma Chikitsa.
Various medicated enemas are introduced into the large intestine
through the rectum with the help of an enema pot or special
bag made for this purpose. "Basti" literally means
the urinary bladder. In ancient times, sterilized urinary
bladders of animals was used to instill the enema, hence the
name of the procedure is Basti Karma. The extent of Ayurvedic
Basti is very significant and hence cannot be compared with
contemporary enema, which is used for bowel cleansing or nutritive
therapies. As per Ayurveda, treatment of Vata Dosha is mandatory
in treating any disease, since Vata Dosha is known to be the
main cause in initiating ailments. Basti chikitsa is the most
important treatment to subdue the elevated Vata Dosha, hence
it is considered as most important procedure in Panchakarma
Chikitsa. If administered properly this therapy can cures
most health complaints and promote good health.
Basti Karma is of two types :
- Aasthapan Basti / Niruha Basti:
Decoctions of medicinal herbs are used for enema, in
this type.
- Anuvasan Basti: This comprises of
enemas given with medicated oils. It also works as
rejuvenator (Balya and Brihan) and body bulk promoter.
Indications for Niruha Basti
All arthritic conditions and nervous disorders, obstruction
of urine, stools and flatus; amenorrhoea, infertility, etc.
are the diseases, which can be treated with Niruha Basti.
Contra-indications for Niruha Basti
Malnourished, weak persons, or those suffering from tuberculosis,
ascites, peritonitis, intestinal obstruction, dysentery, diabetes,
skin diseases, asthma, etc., Niruha Basti should not be employed.
Indications for Anuvasan Basti
All persons in whom Niruha basti is contra indicated should
be treated with Anuvasan Basti.
Contra-indications for Anuvasan Basti
Persons in whom Niruha basti is advised; persons suffering
from anaemia, jaundice, obesity, piles, intestinal worms,
etc., should not be treated with Anuvasan Basti.
Procedure
It is given like any other enema. The only difference is
that Anuvasan Basti should be retained in the body, therefore
patient has to lie down in the lateral position for 6-8 hours;
therefore it is employed at the bedtime.
Complications of Basti therapy
- When Basti therapy is incomplete, spasmodic pains, burning
sensation, anorectal itching and pain, anorexia, blockage
of stools and flatus are noticed. If given in excess, it
causes anorectal inflammation and ulceration, fissure, weakness,
and muscular cramps.
- Uttar basti: It is the vaginal douche,
given with medicinal decoctions for various
gynaecological complaints, such as uterine prolapse, leucorrhoea,
mennorhagia, urinary obstruction, habitual abortions, infertility,
etc.
- Matra basti: In Matra basti, enema is
given with 50 cc of medicated oils. It is recommended for
otherwise healthy persons who undergo daily excessive physical
exertion, and who are weak and malnourished. Matra basti
also works as rejuvenator, immuno-modulator, and nutrient
and it also subdues elevated Vata Dosha.
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